Sony has released the version 3.01 firmware update for its flagship Sony a9 mirrorless camera. The firmware update FW 3.01 adds enhancements and added functions which include support for the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens, optimization of optical image stabilization performance, and continuous shooting with auto focus tracking at F-values greater than F11.

The update also provides improved auto focus speed in low light conditions, reduced release time lag when shooting with flash, “Eye AF” function for A-mount lenses via the LA-EA3 mount adapter, and the much requested option to input the camera serial number to the EXIF data. Sony is listening.

Several other updates to the Sony a9 implemented. This firmware 3.01 provides the following benefits:

Corrects a symptom where, in some cases, the camera may not operate properly after updating the software to Ver. 3.00
– For cameras which were updated to Ver. 3.00 and then to Ver. 3.01, the registered customised settings for the Fn (function) menu may be lost.
In such a case, please customise the menu again to your preference by going to:
[MENU]-[Camera Settings2]-[Function Menu Set]

The Ver. 3.01 software also includes the following updates from Ver. 3.00

Optimisation of optical image stabilisation performance, and support for the new image stabilisation mode of the Lens (Mode 3).

Addition of [Function Ring(Lens)] to the menu
*For SEL400F28GM, [APS-C S35/Full Frame Sel.] setting can be assigned to the Function Ring, in addition to [Power Focus].

Addition of [Aperture Drive in AF] to the menu
*With the SEL400F28GM, focus will not be locked even during continuous shooting at F-values greater than F11, under the following conditions: AF-C, electronic shutter, [Aperture Drive in AF] menu set to [Focus Priority]. Note that continuous shooting speed might be slow when F number is over F11.

Added function for professionals engaged in sports/news media:

Adds a [Write Serial Number] option (On/Off) to the menu, enabling or disabling the inclusion of the camera’s serial number in the Exif data

Improvements in auto focus performance and functionality

Improves tracking performance of moving subjects in AF-C mode

Improves auto focus speed in low light conditions

Adds [AF Track Sens] as a selectable option for custom key settings

Adds support for all focus areas when using the LA-EA3 mount adapter (Options added to [Focus Area]: “Zone”, “Expand Flexible Spot” and “Lock-on AF”)

Improvements in flash control performance and functionality

Reduces the release time lag when shooting with a flash

Adds support for [Slow Sync.] and [Rear Sync.] when using a flash wirelessly

Adds support for white balance automatic correction, when using the colour filter of an external flash (HVL-F60RM)

Other improvements

Stabilises the release time lag when shooting in AF-C mode

Improves the overall stability of the camera

Previous Benefits and Improvements

The following benefits and improvements are also included in this update

Enhance Continuous AF

Enhances continuous auto focus on moving subjects

Enhances AF-C stability while zooming

Adds new or enhanced functions for sports/news media photography professionals

Fixes an issue where RAW files may disappear when SDXC or microSDXC memory cards are used in certain smartphones

Improves the image quality and overall stability of the camera

Improves continuous autofocus (AF-C) performance while zooming in with the SEL70200GM or SEL100400GM lens

Improves the overheating warning functionality

If any of these benefits and enhancements sound familiar they were included in the 3.00 update last month, which was discontinued due to issues that may cause invalid Menu Settings. The 3.01 patch brings all the enhancement and fixes the issues that plagued it predecessor.

Justin Heyes wants to live in a world where we have near misses and absolute hits; great love and small disasters. Starting his career as a gaffer, he has done work for QVC and The Rachel Ray Show, but quickly fell in love with photography. When he’s not building arcade machines, you can find him at local flea markets or attending car shows.

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